bark on or off

[Bruce Wayne]

hello people, i am some what new to the pit master seen and was wondering weather anyone has an opinion about smoking with the bark on or off especially with alder. thanks in advance.

[TripleB]

Like you know what, we all have opinions. I don't think it really matters all that much, but when I have a split that has bark on it I try to knock the bark off. If the bark does not come free, then I just use the split the way it is. Again JMHO.

[HawkerXP]

I haven't used alder but on what I do use, if its loose I take it off. Otherwise in it goes.

[Steve B]

Agreed with both previous comments. If it comes off easy great if not in the fire it goes.

[Attjack]

I try to pop off the bark with my fingers but if it's stubborn I let it stay.

[Hulagn1971]

Man, I remember a heated discussion about this a year or so ago. Would love to see that thread again!
I leave it on.

[Steve R.]

Yeah, there were much stronger opinions about bark than I ever thought possible.

[HawkerXP]

Whatever you do, don't ask if you pre burn your wood!

[smokin fool]

Either or for me, typically the bark has been knocked off the commercially bagged chunks I buy.
If there is bark, figure I paid it might as well use it.

[USMCCrashCrew89]

If I’m splitting my chunks up, I’ll knock off the bark while I’m at it, but if I’m throwing them on whole, I’ll leave it on after running my hand over it to knock off what was loose.

[Troutman]

With my meat it's bark on, with my wood it's bark off.